Battle of The Bands
Name: Eli John P. Tayamen (Vocalist)
Age: 22
Year/course: 2nd year, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Hobbies: Sleeping/Aquascaping/Playing Valorant and League of Legends/playing guitar/songwriting.
Where would you be five to ten years from now?
“In five to ten years, I envision myself pursuing my passion by working in the industry and starting my own startup business or company.”
Who inspires you?
“First and foremost, God is my inspiration. Then there was my mother, who was there for me from the beginning. She was a very supportive mother, so I see her as my inspiration for the competition I entered.”
According to Eli, the best part about competing is hearing the crowd singing and shouting. It made him feel like he is really a performer making a change, expressing himself on stage. It was a scary experience for him at first, but the crowd’s singing and shouting made it all worth all the doubts, fears and worries.
Name: Andrea Myles Maghanoy (Drummer)
Age: 19
Year/course: 2nd year, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.
Hobbies: Photography, Playing instruments.
Where would you be five to ten years from now?
“I see myself as a lady who is financially secure, had good health, and is well-established.”
Who inspires you?
“In all honesty, my family is what drives me the most in life, and my mother is the person I most admire. She’s the one that jolted me out of adolescence, really. Her virtues, such as her devoted personality, order, humility, and compassion, greatly inspire me.”
When asked about the best and worst parts of the experience, Andrea shared that the audience’s enjoyment and positive reception of their music really helped them improve their performance. However, the pressure with juggling practices and school tasks was real. Her advice to students?
“It’s not easy to build confidence in yourself because you’re nervous, but trust me that when you get out of your comfort zone, you’ll see that you’ll bring out something better, and when you do that, it’s a great feeling.”
Name: John Lorence Magat (Bassist)
Age: 21
Year/Course: 2nd Year, Computer Engineering
Hobbies: Playing musical instruments
Where would you be five to ten years from now?
“I can see myself successful in my chosen career.”
John Lorence’s family and loved ones inspire him. With this experience, he learned that he cannot please everybody because while there are people cheering for you, there will also be people discouraging you. What’s important is that you keep on learning to be your better version. He further encourages the students to learn more about their talents.
Name: Ralph Jean A. Ancheta (Lead Guitarist)
Age: 20
Course: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Hobbies: playing guitar, playing in gigs and solving Math problems
Where would you be five to ten years from now?
“I see myself as a performer on stage with my band.”
Who inspires you the?
“Dimebag Darell and Marty Friedman.”
For Ralph, the best part of the experience is competing with STI bands from different branches. The worst part, however, is the difficulty in managing different member schedules for practice and school. Moreover, Ralph motivates his schoolmates to always take the opportunity, win or lose.
“Always believe in yourself and never compare yourself with others.”
His band, JAMSOC, was formed last year with the help of their Coach, Mr. Edwin Nacpil. All members of this band were transferees who found a new home in STI College Muñoz-EDSA. They believe that they “make music not to impress but to express”.
